Spencer police take dog owners to court over delays

A local couple who for months refused to get liability insurance for their two dogs have now been arraigned on charges they disobeyed the selectmen's orders.

Robert J. Norris, 31, and Jaime Martel, 37, of 6 Cranberry Lane, Apt. A, have since complied with the order but only after the matter was turned over to police, who filed a complaint in Western Worcester District Court in East Brookfield.

After months of wrangling over the couple's failure to get the $100,000 liability policy and comply with other requests meant to keep the public safe, selectmen on Feb. 20 ordered the dogs, an American bulldog named Dozer and a pit bull called Deja, surrendered.

Mr. Norris told selectmen he would move the dogs out of town and the dogs were not handed over.

Recently, selectmen learned that the terms they had set had been met, but Police Chief David B. Darrin said the two will still be held accountable for the months of noncompliance.

The problems began last year after one of the dogs allegedly bit a person.

Ms. Martel and Mr. Norris could face fines and up to 30 days in the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction in West Boylston. They were released on personal recognizance at their arraignment Friday and are due back in court on June 11.